5 Seconds That Could Change Your Life

According to American life-coach Mel Robbins, a simple intriguing countdown technique can help us achieve our true potential. This technique attempts to help us solve a fundamental human problem. That is, we all have great ideas about the kind of life we want and the things we want to achieve. However, and here’s the catch, whenever we decide to take action we often don’t feel like doing it!

You see, our brains are designed to keep us safe and tend to put up resistance whenever we want to do something that is hard, or makes us feel uncomfortable or anxious. Therefore, whenever we decide to do something that involves effort, anxiety or discomfort, like going to the gym, or asking someone out on a date, we immediately start to think of a million and one reasons not to do it. The minute we hesitate we begin a mental battle with ourselves. We want to have it all, but at the same time we want to do absolutely nothing!

In her new book, ‘The 5 Second Rule’, Mel Robbins suggests that as soon as you want to do something you count backwards from 5 to 1 and then force yourself to do it. (It sounds too simple to take seriously but you need to try this!). Counting backwards does two things. It gives your brain a starting ritual. But it also effectively interferes with the part of your brain that will give you all the reasons not to do it. It stops the hesitation. If you want to get out of your own way and start to achieve some of the things that you are truly capable of, you may want to give this a try. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go!

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Blog Author - Kevin Simpson

Kevin is a Clinical Psychologist and Partner with Outlook South West. His short weekly articles cover a range of topics related to psychology and general wellbeing. They also appear in the Cornish Guardian and West Briton each week.